As towns and villages across West Dunbartonshire fall silent at the 11th hour on Sunday, members of cadet groups and youth organisations will again play a key role in the solemn acts of remembrance.

Down the years, Dumbarton’s youngsters have proudly turned out to show their respects to those killed in conflict.

And now, on the centenary of the end of the First World War, their presence is even more vital because it will be their responsibility in the years ahead to ensure the act of remembrance is continued.

Sea cadet Joanne Durnan, 13, told the Reporter: “This will be my third year taking part in the Remembrance Day parade at Clydebank Town Hall.

“It gives me a great sense of pride and honour to be able to represent my unit at such an important occasion.

“Even more so as we commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War One, where I have the privilege of laying our wreath.”

“Being able to not only attend a service of remembrance, but to play an active role in it is a great privilege. I feel as though this is a tiny contribution I can make in showing how grateful I am for the sacrifices made.”

Joanne, a member of Clydebank Sea Cadets, which is open to youngsters from Dumbarton, said it was important to recognise and reflect on the massive sacrifices that men and women have made for the nation over the centuries.

She added: “It is too great to go unnoticed. As a young person, it can be easy to distance yourself from the past, but it is vital that we turn up every year to recognise and pay our respects for what people went through in World War One and Two.

“With the hope to show that people still care and will not forget; history must never fade way, no matter your view on current wars.

“Wearing a poppy is a physical way to show your support, and stand together, for those who gave their all so we could have today.”

Air Cadet Reiss Cameron, 19, who has been part of the cadets since March 2012, told the Reporter he always found the Remembrance parades to be very humbling.

He added: “There is an almost sombre feel from everyone participating which sets the whole ceremony apart from other parades.

“Everyone is clearly understanding of what the parade symbolises and I feel it is immensely important for young people, especially, to experience and be a part of this to help them better understand the sacrifice people went through to allow us to be where we are today.”

Reiss, who is a Cadet Warrant Officer at 1740 Clydebank Squadron Air Cadets, said: “The importance of the parade is complimented perfectly by the symbolism of the poppy.

“Seeing the sea of red poppies on parade brings an overwhelming feeling of pride and satisfaction to be able to take part and wear it on my uniform.

“The poppy also plays an important role bringing awareness to people all over who may not have experienced parades before but can still be involved in their own acts of remembrance.”